Whitening Time: What to Expect With a Professional Teeth Whitening

"Behind every successful woman is a substantial amount of coffee." - Stephanie Piro

If you've ever uttered the words, "but first, coffee!" or can relate to the quote above, you might be suffering from a very embarrassing problem.

Yellow teeth. They can sneak up and ruin even the most ideal selfie-lighting. Though they are subject to stains, yellowing teeth is as natural as the aging process. You can have completely healthy teeth that aren't perfectly white.

Still, stained teeth can cause distress.

Keep reading to discover how a professional teeth whitening can restore your pearly whites to their former glory.

Who is Teeth Whitening For?

Hot tea on a cold morning has fueled many a would-be writer and burgeoning entrepreneur. It's also one cause of stained teeth. Tea, smoking, coffee, and wine are common culprits. Some foods may also leave your teeth discolored.

The color of teeth vary from mouth to mouth. Some people naturally have whiter teeth than others. It's rare that someone has a natural brilliant-white smile.

As you age, teeth become more yellow because the dentin yellows. Dentin is the inner part of the tooth. The enamel is the surface of the tooth which is subject to staining. As the enamel thins, the yellowed dentin shows through.

The more stained your teeth are the harder it will be to get a pearly smile. It may also require more than one session with your dentist.

Veneers are an option for people who's teeth can't be helped by whitening. Also, tooth trauma from an impact or fall can cause a discolored tooth. Whitening won't help this. Talk to your dentist about your best options.

You should avoid teeth whitening if:

• You're pregnant or nursing
• You have tooth decay or visible plastic fillings
• You are under the age of 18
• You have cavities or decalcifications
• You have acid erosion on your teeth or GERD
• You have very sensitive or receding gums
  
• You have a sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide

In-Office Visit

If it's your first visit to the dentist in more than six months, they may give you a proper check-up before starting. This involves a traditional cleaning where your teeth are scraped and examined for issues. You may also receive an x-ray.

Sometimes a good teeth cleaning is all you need. Built-up plaque and tartar can have a yellowing effect on the teeth. A teeth cleaning will also improve the effectiveness of your whitening service.

Many dental offices list the services they offer on their website. Ask about which whitening process will help you achieve your desired results.

Types of Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments

The availability of over-the-counter treatments makes some wonder about the need for professional whitening. OTC options are a low-cost option but can have inconsistent results. With DIY, you risk damaging your teeth and gums. A dentist will be able to assess your current oral health and recommend a course of action.

Here are 3 treatment methods you will encounter at the dentist.

Zoom Whitening

Zoom/laser lightening came to popularity with the emergence of reality make-over shows. The dentist straps the patient in with a mouth guard and sunglasses then flips on a blue light. After a little TV magic, the next scene is of them staring at their beautiful new smile.

In real life, this process gives immediate results in about an hour. Your dentist will use a gel solution of 25% peroxide. It works in conjunction with a special lamp to lighten the teeth. Laser teeth whitening doesn't hurt but can cause mild tooth sensitivity. This sensation can last a couple of hours or a couple of days.

Bleaching

After ensuring your gums are well protected, your dentist will apply a high concentration of bleach gel to your front teeth. The gel is left on for 15 - 30 minutes. After rinsing, the gel is reapplied. Your dentist checks the progress of the tooth color between bleaching.

This procedure can take up to 2 hours and can cause some gum sensitivity. The bleach is drying to teeth which will give them a lighter initial appearance. They will darken a little after the teeth rehydrate. A lift of 3 to 8 shades is achieved using this method.

Results of in-office bleaching are immediate but may require multiple visits to achieve the desired effect. For stains that cannot be helped from whitening methods, your dentist will recommend other options.

Take-home System

This system is similar to OTC methods but more effective. Your dentists will provide you with a system customized to your unique needs. The trays are fit to your mouth so that the bleach gel doesn't get on your gums.

The bleach concentration here is higher than OTC methods but safe enough to use at home. Every night for two weeks, you will use the gel and whitening trays. You can leave it in for a few hours or overnight.

Your dentist may recommend a follow-up to the home system with an in-office session for maximum benefit.

Things to Remember

Whitening your teeth is not one size fits all. Everyone's gums and teeth are aligned differently. Using general trays for whitening can cause harm to your sensitive gums and cause irreversible damage to your teeth.

It is possible to over-whiten your teeth. The bleaching solution works to lighten the dentin. Over-bleaching your teeth can lead to translucent teeth that cannot be repaired.

Professional teeth whitening lasts from a few months to a few years. To prolong the effects, avoid staining foods as much as possible. Trauma to your teeth can also cause premature yellowing. Protect your teeth during sports to avoid this.

The right dentist will assess the state of your oral health and recommend the best path toward success. In Ashburn, VA and the surrounding areas, we have been helping families put their best smile forward for years. Contact us today for your smile consultation.